Leasing a vehicle can seem like a smart, short-term move until it isn’t. From unexpectedly high maintenance costs to terrible resale values and frustrating interiors, some cars and SUVs weren’t worth the monthly payments. Across Canada, drivers are voicing serious regret over leasing these models, often realizing too late that they were stuck in contracts for vehicles that didn’t deliver. Here are 16 vehicles Canadians wish they’d never leased:
Jeep Cherokee (2014–2020)
At first glance, the Jeep Cherokee looked like a rugged leasing option. However, Canadian drivers soon discovered that the 2.4L engine struggled with acceleration, and the 9-speed automatic transmission was infamously jerky and unreliable. Interior tech felt outdated even in higher trims, and real-world fuel economy was far worse than advertised. Frequent trips to the dealership and plummeting resale values turned this lease into a long-term headache. Many lessees bought out the lease to avoid extra mileage fees and damage charges, then instantly regretted owning it.
Nissan Rogue (2014–2019)
Marketed as a fuel-efficient, family-friendly SUV, the Rogue’s leasing appeal faded quickly for many Canadians. Its 2.5L engine paired with a CVT was underwhelming, especially on hills or highways. The interior was plasticky, and infotainment glitches were a common complaint. Lease-end inspections often revealed higher-than-expected wear-and-tear charges and the resale value dropped significantly. Drivers also cited excessive cabin noise and a harsh ride. What seemed like a good lease deal turned into a costly and frustrating experience, leaving many wishing they’d gone with a more refined competitor.
Ford Focus (2012–2018)
The Ford Focus might’ve seemed like a fuel-efficient and affordable leasing option, but its infamous PowerShift dual-clutch transmission turned off thousands of Canadian drivers. The 2.0L engine worked fine, but jerky shifting and frequent transmission failures plagued this model. Interior materials were subpar, and infotainment systems aged poorly. Maintenance issues started appearing well before lease-end, often causing stress over penalties and unexpected repairs. For many lessees, the Focus became a cautionary tale of leasing what looks good on paper, only to pay for it later.
Chevrolet Malibu (2016–2021)
The Malibu’s sleek design lured many lease customers, but its long-term performance didn’t meet the hype. The base 1.5L turbo engine struggled under pressure, and the CVT felt laggy. The interior space was decent, but touchscreens often froze, and dashboard electronics were inconsistent. The ride quality was floaty at high speeds, and reliability dropped sharply after the first year. The residual value fell faster than competitors, surprising lessees with unexpected turn-in fees. Mechanics warn that what appears to be a “deal” on the Malibu is often a financial pitfall.
Volkswagen Jetta (2011–2017)
The Jetta once had a reputation for offering German engineering at a competitive lease rate, but for many Canadians, it delivered frustration. Its 1.4L or 1.8L turbocharged engines, producing 150–170 hp, were fuel-efficient but frequently plagued by electrical issues and turbo lag. The interior quality was inconsistent, and entry-level trims felt bare-bones. Costly repairs and dealer servicing requirements complicated lease contracts. As technology aged quickly and engine issues piled up, lessees realized this wasn’t the value they’d hoped for.
Dodge Journey (2009–2020)
The Dodge Journey was pushed as a family SUV with budget-friendly lease rates but aged poorly. The base 2.4L engine felt sluggish, and the optional 3.6L V6 wasn’t enough to save it. Cabin tech lagged far behind the competition, and interior materials were flimsy. Leasing customers often complained of squeaks, rattles, and faulty electronics before hitting 40,000 km. Safety scores were subpar, and fuel efficiency underperformed real-world expectations. By lease-end, most Canadians realized they’d paid for an outdated vehicle that didn’t measure up in comfort, quality, or reliability.
Mitsubishi Outlander (2014–2019)
The Mitsubishi Outlander attracted lessees with AWD and a roomy cabin, but many quickly regretted signing. The 2.4L four-cylinder engine struggled under load, while the optional 3.0L V6 wasn’t much better on fuel. The CVT was noisy, and the ride felt unrefined. Interior tech was clunky and fell short of rivals. Worse, resale value cratered, leaving lessees facing significant residual differences or mileage overage penalties. Canadian mechanics have long flagged the Outlander as a lease trap, as it was decent on paper but disappointing in execution.
Hyundai Elantra (2011–2016)
The Hyundai Elantra offered slick styling and a tempting monthly lease rate, but problems surfaced fast. Its 1.8L engine lacked punch, and early CVTs were jerky and unreliable. Suspension components wore quickly, causing noisy, rough rides. While the cabin looked modern, the materials felt cheap, and the electronics often malfunctioned. Lessees frequently faced alignment issues and brake wear earlier than expected. By lease-end, many Canadians were dealing with cosmetic dings, tech failures, and high service bills.
Fiat 500 (2012–2017)
Quirky design and city-friendly size briefly helped the Fiat 500 win over some Canadian lessees. The 1.4L engine delivered tepid performance, and turbocharged Abarth versions weren’t much better on long drives. The car struggled on highways, and poor crash test ratings became a significant family concern. The cabin, while stylish, was cramped and prone to electrical glitches. Reliability was far below average, and lease customers reported repeated service visits. Despite its charm, the 500 became a classic “cute but cursed” case with few lessees willing to lease a Fiat again.
Buick Encore (2013–2019)
Small and upscale-looking, the Buick Encore was marketed as a luxury-lite lease. But its 1.4L turbo engine delivered disappointing power, and the six-speed automatic often felt sluggish. The tight back seat and minimal cargo room surprised drivers who expected SUV practicality. Infotainment lagged and suffered frequent bugs, while the ride became jittery over rough roads. Residual value dropped sharply, turning lease-end negotiations into a financial headache. Many Canadians found the Encore a letdown; it was more expensive than it should’ve been and not nearly refined enough.
Chevrolet Equinox (2010–2017)
Equinox lured in lessees with low monthly rates and promises of space and comfort, but early models were disappointed. The 2.4L engine suffered major oil consumption issues, and many units experienced engine failure before lease-end. The interior, while roomy, aged quickly with dated infotainment and cheap materials. Ride quality was floaty, and reliability issues were frequent enough that some leaseholders tried to exit their contracts early. Residual values tanked, and Canadian drivers were left paying for a crossover that felt like a step behind every year they drove it.
Chrysler 200 (2015–2017)
Marketed as a stylish mid-size sedan, the Chrysler 200 attracted leasing interest with its sleek looks and upscale interior. Underneath, however, it was a different story. The 2.4L Tigershark engine mated to a 9-speed automatic was plagued with jerky shifting and poor low-end response. Rear-seat space was tight, and the trunk was oddly shaped. Tech issues, frequent recalls, and steep depreciation made lease turn-ins especially painful. Canadian lessees frequently cited this as one of their worst leasing mistakes, as it was attractive at first but frustrating to live with daily.
Subaru Impreza (2012–2016)
Subaru’s reputation for all-weather handling tempted many Canadians into leasing the Impreza, especially in snowy regions. But its 2.0L boxer engine delivered lackluster performance, and the CVT drained driving fun. Interior finishes felt low-grade, and infotainment systems lacked modern features—issues with excessive oil consumption and sluggish acceleration frustrated lessees. Worse, the AWD system added complexity without always justifying the cost of everyday driving. While Subaru loyalists stood by the brand, many casual drivers ended their lease feeling underwhelmed and unlikely to lease another Impreza again.
Nissan Altima (2013–2018)
The Altima once appealed strongly to Canadian lessees looking for a comfortable, tech-equipped mid-size sedan. But the 2.5L engine paired with Nissan’s CVT became a nightmare for long-term users. Shuddering, laggy acceleration, and early transmission failures plagued this generation. Interior quality was inconsistent, with dashboard materials cracking in colder climates. Though it looked sleek, many leaseholders found the ownership experience frustrating. Complaints about reliability and high repair costs mounted as the lease wore on.
Jeep Compass (2011–2016)
The Compass promised rugged style in a compact package, which drew in a wave of Canadian leaseholders. But reality didn’t match the marketing. The base 2.0L engine, producing 158 hp, was painfully slow, and even the optional 2.4L, producing 172 hp, struggled on hills. The interior felt cramped and dated, with hard plastics and unreliable tech. Road noise was excessive, and mechanical issues with the suspension and steering became common. The Compass depreciated quickly, making lease turn-ins difficult and often costly.
Kia Forte (2012–2017)
The Kia Forte was a popular lease pick thanks to its stylish exterior, affordable payments, and generous features. But performance left much to be desired. The 2.0L engine was underwhelming, and early models suffered from steering issues and noisy suspensions. The cabin felt modern but didn’t hold up well over time, as rattles, tech glitches, and worn upholstery were frequent lease-end complaints. Reliability ratings dropped as models aged, and resale value decreased. Canadians who leased the Forte often wished they’d spent just a bit more for something with staying power.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
